TORONTO, May 15, 2014 /CNW/ - As casting continues across Canada for Season 2, final data released this week confirms Canadians had a hearty appetite for CTV's MASTERCHEF CANADA. The hit culinary competition averaged 1.8 million viewers, making it the #1 Canadian series of the 2013-14 broadcast year. The series recently completed its inaugural season on Monday, April 28 with a series-high 2.2 million viewers, final data confirms.

Consistently winning its timeslot on Monday nights, it is the #1 new reality series of the year, and the #2 new series overall with all key adult demos, second only to CTV's own MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. MASTERCHEF CANADA is also in the Top 10 most-watched programs of the year in the coveted A18-49 and A25-54 demos, and ranks among Top 15 for total viewers.

"From the first episode, Canadians were hooked by the delectable drama of MASTERCHEF CANADA," said Mike Cosentino, Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks. "With Season 1 consistently winning its timeslot against tough competition and standing above other new series, MASTERCHEF CANADA Season 2 will no doubt continue to give viewers the excitement they crave."

Viewers wanting to relive the delicious excitement of MASTERCHEF CANADA Season 1 can do so by watching past episodes, including the season finale, at CTV.ca and CTV GO. This summer, Mondays at 8 p.m. continue to be the home of the MASTERCHEF franchise as MASTERCHEF returns to CTV for its Season 5 premiere on Monday,May 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, featuring chef and restaurateur judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Graham Elliot.

Canadians fans who want to pursue their own culinary dreams are invited to apply for Season 2. Casting is open now at CTV.ca/MasterChefCanada, and home cooks are encouraged to apply by their region's deadline, as listed on the website, for an opportunity to be interviewed in-person by producers when casting in their region. MASTERCHEF CANADA hopefuls are welcome to apply at a later date in a different province if they are unable to meet their region's deadline. The final deadline for online applications is 11:59 p.m. ET on July 13, 2014. Home cooks are also invited to apply for MASTERCHEF CANADA Season 2 in person at an Open Casting Call in Toronto on July 12-13, 2014, with more details to come.

About CTV CTV is Canada's #1 private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV has been Canada's most-watched television network for the past 12 years in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and Out-of-Home. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network's website at CTV.ca.